Memories of Perkasie

Thank you 
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Pennridge Chamber

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of Commerce!
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Pennridge Chamber of Commerce 538 West Market Street

Pennridge Chamber of Commerce plaque with logo

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September 28, 1905 First page of First Perkasie Board of Trade Minutes

For 115 years, The Pennridge Chamber of Commerce and its predecessor organizations have promoted local business and industry and supported our community. In 2020, we lost our local chamber as it was closed and merged into the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce

The chamber had its beginnings in 1905 as the Perkasie Board of Trade. This organization, made up of Perkasie businessmen, was involved in promoting Perkasie in hopes of establishing new industry in town. In early days they were involved in organizing local investors to build cigar factories and silk mills. They helped make Perkasie a safer and better place to live by pushing for improved roads, petitioning the railroad for better and safer train service, and the establishment of the Second Street Playground.

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Perkasie Chamber of Commerce Letterhead

​Organized in 1920, The Perkasie Chamber of Commerce succeeded the Board Trade as an advocate for the citizens and businesses. The chamber continued and expanded the philanthropic and organizational role played by the Board of Trade in the annual Christmas celebrations. They provided funding for town Christmas lights and organized Santa’s arrival events and children’s parties. For many years, the chamber and local businesses ran the “Trade and Travel” promotion where customers could win a vacation by making Christmas purchases at participating merchants.

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In 1963 the chamber broadened their service area, incorporated, and changed their name from Perkasie Chamber of Commerce to Pennridge Chamber of Commerce. Office space was rented at various locations before the building at 538 West Market Street was purchased in 1997.

In 2020, Betty Graver, the Pennridge Chamber Executive Director retired and closed the doors of the office for the last time. The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce, located in Quakertown assumed all duties once performed by the Perkasie office. The building at Market Street was sold in 2020 and will become apartments.
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